Though USM’s rushing attack as a whole has struggled at times, the Golden Eagles have one of the most explosive running backs in the country. Ito Smith has gone for over 1,000 yards rushing for the second consecutive season (1,321 in 2016, 1,128 in 2015).

QB Nick Mullens is an efficient passer. Mullens has a passer rating of 150.1, which ranks 23rd among FBS quarterbacks.

Louisiana-Lafayette

Louisiana-Lafayette is led by their QB Anthony Jennings. Jennings played quarterback at LSU from 2013 to 2015. Right now he is completing 60.9% of his passes, and has 11 touchdowns on the season.

Yet, Jennings has tossed 12 interceptions on the season. Overall, ULL’s offense is floundering. The Ragin’ Cajuns rank 105th in total offense, with 4,382 yards on the season.

New Mexico

New Mexico is back in the New Mexico Bowl for the second consecutive year under head coach Bob Davie. UNM's 11 conference wins over the last two seasons is a school record. The Lobos improved to 8-4 after going 7-6 in 2015.

UNM ranks 30th in total offense with 5,643 yards.

The Lobos have two 1,000+ yard rushers on offense, with very similar stat lines. Teriyon Gipson has 1,209 yards on 131 carries and 12 touchdowns. His teammate Tyrone Owens has 1,084 yards on the season on 134 carries, and seven touchdowns.

Gipson’s longest run on the season is 84 yards, and Owens' is 83 yards.

Boca Raton Bowl: West. Kentucky (10-3) vs. Memphis (8-4), Dec. 20

Western Kentucky

Western Kentucky is coming off a 58-44 Conference USA championship win over La. Tech.

The Hilltoppers have one of the most powerful offenses in the nation. WKU is behind only Texas Tech in total offense (6,799 yards) this season, and is ranked just ahead of their conference rivals La. Tech --- the Bulldogs come in at third.

QB Mike White was honored as the Conference USA newcomer of the year. White has 4,027 passing yards on the season and 34 touchdowns.

WKU has two wide receivers who rank in the top ten nationally in receiving yards. Taywan Taylor is second with 1,586 receiving yards, and Nicholas Miller is tenth with 1,253.

Memphis

Memphis is completing their first season under head coach Mike Norvell. After losing their head coach Justin Fuente to Virginia Tech, and QB Paxton Lynch to the NFL Draft, the Tigers are back in the post season after reaching an 8-4 record.

Hawai’i Bowl: Hawaii (6-7) vs. Middle Tennessee (8-4), Dec. 24

Middle Tennessee

Middle Tennessee’s offense ranks 12th in total yards (6,188), and 16th in points per game (40.1). The Blue Raiders are led by their explosive talent at wide out. WR Richie James is third in total receiving yards in the nation (1,463), and has 11 touchdowns on the season.

MTSU can also get it done on the ground. RB I’Tavius Mathers ranks 10th among FBS running backs in total rushing yards (1,504), to go along with 16 touchdowns.